Reflections by Wendy Ellertson as she dances down the road of an artist,meets people, collects stories, creates art and savors life's adventures.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Flight and Extreme Action Heroes

Flying and flying creatures have always been integral to my work. I've always flown a lot in my dream...but dreams don'tcompletely satisfy. I really have wanted to fly when awake, and not just in planes. Recently, IAF president,Ellen Kushner, forwarded info about an event connected with a movement company started by Elizabeth Streb. Their website is: www.streb.orgI'm fascinated. Wonder if I would have had the nerve totry this out during my modern and jazz dancing years incollege and in my 20's and 30's?? I definitely suggest you check out their YOUtube videosHere's the link to one video. My favorite images aretoward the end of the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gK-O95c5E8 Word of caution - you might not want your young risk taking children/grandchildren to view it without supervision!

Elizabeth has just written a new book:"How to Become an Extreme Action Hero" and will launch it an a "lively and unconventional presentation" on April 21, 6;30 PM in NYC. Details; CUNY Graduate Center, Proshansky Auditorium 365 Fifth Ave.(at 34th Street.) NYC, NY

To quote the PR:

"Elizabeth Streb has been testing the potential of the human body since childhood. Can she fly? Can she run up walls? Can she breakthrough glass? How fast can she go? In her new bookStreb: How to Become an Extreme Action Hero, she conveys how she developed a form of movement that's more NASCAR than modern dance, more boxing than ballet."

Sure wish I could be there. Next time I'm in Brooklyn, I may try to drop by their rehearsal space which is open to the public. Website says;

"You are welcome to come and watch classes and rehearsals. We rehearse Tuesday through Friday from 11:30-3:30pm. Location: 51 North 1st. Street,Brooklyn, NY 11211

Come in and watch the process as it unfolds and if you have a great idea let us know. STREB believes that the cross sectionof activity in our space feeds the creativity. Bring lunch anduse our WiFi!"